Tres Leches Cake

This super soft, luscious Tres Leches Cake is easily made from scratch and perfect for year round celebrating!

There are just some foods you never forget after one bite. For me, that was a pillowy soft, super moist slice of tres leches cake piled high with whipped cream and berries. I’ve been intent on recreating it ever since!

Now, I’m no cake baker extraordinaire. I cook a killer roast and mashed potatoes, but baking? Not my strongest suit. However, eating baked treats? I’ve won medals. (That’s not true.) I looked for every possible shortcut in baking this cake from scratch. But, they all seemed like cheats. And they were.

I like my homemade sweets to have a little heart and soul after all, so it was decided. Time to tackle tres leches and banish the boxed mix!

I just had no idea it would be so. friggin. easy.

The deeper I delved into the recipe as I made it, the more I learned. Tres leches is just a simple sponge cake (similar to angel food) – egg whites, flour, milk, vanilla. The usual suspects. But, what makes it special?

I bet you’ll never guess.

It’s the tres leches! Which, translated, literally means “three milks” – a mixture of heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk that soaks into every luscious little crumb. Just poke the heck out of your cake, pour it over top, and set that baby to soak in the fridge.

Now, are you ready for the fun part? Let’s smother that sucker in whipped cream and fresh berries! Is there any better topping for a springtime dessert, after all?

That’s not a question.

What results is a cake so moist and mouthwateringly good, you won’t even believe you made it. But you did, and it’s delicious. And now all you have to do is try to not eat all 15 slices. Easier said than done, people. Easier said than done.

For Cinco de Mayo, or any occasion that calls for something elegant yet easy, a super soft homemade tres leches cake will hit the spot! You’re just gonna love it – and whoever is lucky enough to share it with you will, too!

Directions:

Separate eggs into two bowls. Pour egg yolks into a large bowl and add 3/4 cup sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until yolks are pale yellow. Stir in milk and vanilla. Gently fold egg yolk mixture into flour mixture until combined.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. With mixer running, add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until egg whites are stiff but glossy. Gently fold egg white mixture into batter, just until combined and no white streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in pan, or carefully invert whole cake onto a large serving plate.

For the Milk Mixture: Whisk all ingredients in a medium bowl. Discard 1/2 cup of milk mixture (Using the full amount would result in a too-soggy cake). Once cake is cool, pierce the surface with a fork several times. Drizzle milk mixture over top and edges of cake. Allow cake to absorb mixture for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

For the Topping: Whip heavy cream with sugar until thick and spreadable. Spread over the top and sides of the cake. Cut into squares and top with sliced strawberries. Serve.

You read my mind…. I was just thinking about Tres Leches Cake for Cinco De Mayo… and now you have a wonderful recipe for me to use. :) Can you believe I have never had this cake before… so it’s about time I do!

Another beautiful creation from you, Georgia! I have heard so much about tres leches cake. Seems everyone’s who has tried it, loves it. I want to try soon. Your recipe and the result looks sensational.

Tres Leches is on my list of top 5 favorite cakes! I absolutely love it! The way those milks seep into the holes of the cake making it so so moist is mouthwatering. Then topping it with sweet whipped cream and strawberries, heaven!

Gorgeous cake! I think this cake would be perfect for mothers day! I am not much of the baker either I m more of a savoury girl but you make it sound so easy. Wishing you a super weekend. Pinned! Take Care, BAM

WOW — you are a cake baker extraordinaire after tackling this — it looks to be a major success! My mouth is watering…it sounds so moist, creamy and delicious. I’ve never had tres leches cake, and I need to try it. Mountains of whipped cream is always a good idea in my book, too! :)

I can’t imagine what this tastes like. There is no doubt it is good. I have heard the term before, but have never read a recipe. I think I am going to have to make this one. Good thing summer is coming on and there are lots of potlucks.
With the berries and of course it doesn’t have to be strawberries either, it is the perfect time of year to bring this one on stage.

I meant to post a tres leches cake last week for Cinco de Mayo and never got around to it, now seeing yours I’m totally regretting that! It looks perfect! I love that overhead shot and the close up of course!

Hi Georgia, this is a latinamerican dessert (I’m from Chile and I love your recipes).The original recipe use for the topping swiss meringue instead of heavy cream. Try it, you will love the combination with the meringue!

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